On Monday afternoon June 6, 2022, Kenneth met Jesus face to face at 83 years of age. Kenneth was born May 25, 1939, in Dallas County, Missouri at his home near Buffalo, MO to Mabel Legan-Ownby and Charlie Ownby. He had 4 siblings, Bill, Virginia, Dale, and Kate.

Ken grew up in the Springfield area and attended school in Elwood and in Springfield. At seventeen years of age Ken (with parental permission) joined the Merchant Marines. He spent the next 11 months at sea. When he reached the age of eighteen, he joined the United States Airforce with his brother Dale. He served four years and was stationed at Pease Airforce Base in Portsmouth, NH. While stationed here, he met Carol Lillian Brown of Bow Lake, New Hampshire. They married on January 26 ^th , 1960.

After his time in the Air Force, Ken was employed with Associated Electric Co-op where he stayed for 34 years before he retired. Ken loved playing sports and had a deep love for the game of golf. He played every time an opportunity presented itself. He had a passion for music of many genres. He even sang in the church choir for a while, although he never felt he measured up, he always quoted God's word saying, "He said to make a joyful noise!". Ken also loved western movies and even worked as an extra in a film when he was young!

Ken became a Christian in 1971 which created a new passion. One that did not fade, but grew in strength as the years passed. He loved biblical history and studied it regularly. He taught Sunday School for several years. To say that Ken lived a great life is an understatement. A life rich with a love for God, his family, and close friends.

Ken is preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Edward Ownby. Ken is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol Ownby, his three daughters Kathyren Ownby, Linda Ownby, and Barbara Ownby all of Springfield, MO. Ken is also survived by his grandchildren, Legan Mooney and wife Erin, Evan Christiansen, Colin Christiansen, Hannah Mullins, and Aaron Mullins.

Service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, June 24, 2022, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Interment following at 12:00 PM at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S Southwood Rd., Springfield, MO 65804. Visitation be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Thursday, June 23, 2022 in the funeral home.